In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus were called upon to live lightly on the earth - "Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic" (Luke 9:1-6). Jesus constantly warned about the dangers of attachment to wealth, possessions, or power. The forces which are impoverishing hundreds of millions of people in the South, and at the same time destroying the planet, very often spring from greed and the allure of mammon. "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:23), and, "Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?" (Luke 12:16-21).

Jesus grew up in a rural environment and had a familiarity with a variety of God’s creatures and the processes of nature. It is clear from his teaching that he was not driven by any urge to dominate or control either his fellow human beings or the world of nature. Rather, he displayed an appreciative and contemplative attitude towards creation which was rooted in His Father’s love for all creation. "Think of the ravens; they do not sow or reap; they have no storehouses and no barns; yet God feeds them" (Luke 12:24). The gospels warn against the urge to continually accumulate more and more goods. God will provide for our legitimate needs.

Mark tells us that the spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness to be with the wild animals. It was during his sojourn in the desert that Jesus came to accept and appreciate the messianic ministry he was about to embrace. He regularly returned to the hills to pray and commune with the Father, especially before making important decisions like choosing the disciples.

His teaching ministry was not carried out in buildings, in synagogues or in the temple, but in the cathedral of nature. In Matthew’s gospel, the Beatitudes and subsequent teachings were delivered on a mountain. Much of his teaching and miracles took place on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The miracle of the loaves occurred in a "lonely place".

Many of the parables of Jesus centred on nature. He spoke of sowing seed, of vines, the lost sheep, and the life and work of shepherds. His teaching was regularly interspersed with references to the lilies of the field, the birds of the air, and the lair of foxes. As Lord of creation, he could calm the waves or walk on the water, or, when food was needed, multiply the loaves.

Like most famous religious personalities, Jesus was a healer. He cured the sick and restored them to health. While individuals were healed, the healing ministry of Jesus was not confined to individuals. Each healing was a sign that challenged social or religious prejudices, and it also aimed at sowing a seed of healing within a community which was attempting to open itself up to the transforming power of God’s compassion and graciousness.
In his preaching, Jesus identified himself with the natural elements of water, bread and light. He presented himself as the good shepherd who came, "that they may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Mark says the disciples were called to take the gospel to all creation.

Sean McDonagh will be speaking at events in UK 6-10 March 2006, organised by the Conference of Religious Social Justice Desk, in collaboration with other groups. Details in the next newsletter.